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To get dog before big move, or after?

14 replies

MamaDuckling · 25/02/2023 19:03

Evening all,

We will be leaving the UK at the end of August. We have long wanted to get a dog, and I’m very unsure of whether it’s be more sensible to get a puppy now, in the UK, where I could research breeders etc and trust our local vet, or wait until we are in our new home abroad. There are plenty of dogs there, rescues and puppies, but I guess I can’t be sure of pedigree/animal rights etc there.

Is 4 months long enough to train a puppy, would it be too young to travel or cope with the air journey? There is no quarantine to do which is a bonus I suppose.

Any initial gut reactions in this from dog owners? I had a dog as a child but have never owned one before, plenty of cats, fish and hamsters but understand that a pup is a completely different ball game.

Oh, and I suppose that but is important, we would like a puppy.

really appreciate any thoughts.

thanks

OP posts:
MamaDuckling · 25/02/2023 19:05

Sorry for typos!

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pilates · 25/02/2023 19:05

I would wait and get one when you have settled in

Rafferty10 · 25/02/2023 19:07

I would definately say wait, that journey would be traumatic for a very young dog.
I flew a 6 year old dog to the US, and she was very scared.

As you have a choice please wait.

Ilikewinter · 25/02/2023 19:14

You need to wait until you are settled in your new home.

MamaDuckling · 25/02/2023 19:17

Thanks everyone, sounds like a no brainier to those in the know - appreciate your quick comments.

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ProbablyDogNappersHunX · 25/02/2023 19:40

Definitely wait until you've moved. Mine was traumatised by us moving a 3 hour drive away!

NoSquirrels · 25/02/2023 19:42

I think you’d massively regret doing two such disruptive things so close together. Get the move done, settle in, then decide if you’re ready for a dog.

Clymene · 25/02/2023 19:44

Contact local shelters when you're all settled. They'll be able to help you find a dog.

Clymene · 25/02/2023 19:46

And (not that you asked) a calm consistent environment is the best place to raise a confident happy puppy.

ilovesushi · 26/02/2023 18:34

Definitely wait!

userxx · 27/02/2023 15:33

Packing up your life and moving is stressful enough, add a puppy into the mix and it would be another level.

MamaDuckling · 27/02/2023 21:51

userxx · 27/02/2023 15:33

Packing up your life and moving is stressful enough, add a puppy into the mix and it would be another level.

Thanks for the reality check - definitely going to wait! Something to look forward to once we are settled.

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userxx · 27/02/2023 22:13

I didn't mean to sound harsh, I felt stressed even just thinking about it 🙈. Good luck with the move and your new pup when the time arrives.

MamaDuckling · 28/02/2023 11:24

userxx · 27/02/2023 22:13

I didn't mean to sound harsh, I felt stressed even just thinking about it 🙈. Good luck with the move and your new pup when the time arrives.

Don’t apologise, you’re totally right!

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